On December 24, 2024, the Ukrainian Parliament's Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence announced that it is not considering a draft law to lower the military conscription age. The committee stated that there are no such legislative proposals currently being reviewed, countering earlier media reports suggesting otherwise.
The committee's clarification followed claims from a representative of the 17th National Guard Brigade, which had purportedly indicated that a law to reduce the conscription age from 25 to 18 was awaiting approval. The brigade later denied that its representative made such comments, stating that he had not participated in any media engagements recently.
In related discussions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of focusing on equipping existing brigades with technology and training personnel, rather than reducing the conscription age.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis delivered a Christmas message during the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, also on December 24. The Pope urged Christians worldwide to spread hope, particularly in places where it has been lost, and acknowledged the heartbreak caused by failures.
The Mass began with the ceremonial opening of the Holy Doors of St. Peter's Basilica, marking the start of the Holy Year, themed 'Pilgrims of Hope.' The Catholic Church celebrates a Holy Year every 25 years, during which believers can seek forgiveness through prayer and penance. This marks the second Holy Year during Pope Francis's papacy, following the extraordinary Holy Year dedicated to Divine Mercy in 2016.